NeedaBreak4Me

Sorry if this comes across as ignorant or rude, but why do they have you on abilify in the first place?
Abilify is an anti-psychotic or used for bipolar... i do not understand why they would prescribe it for depression.... did you have episodes during that time? If not, you might want to speak to your psych about something less "harsh"
I know this is also off the topic.. but have you had thorough blood work done? Deficiency in some vitamins/minerals can also cause depression and mood disorders.

Sorry if this comes across as ignorant or rude, but why do they have you on abilify in the first place?
Abilify is an anti-psychotic or used for bipolar... i do not understand why they would prescribe it for depression.... did you have episodes during that time? If not, you might want to speak to your psych about something less "harsh"
I know this is also off the topic.. but have you had thorough blood work done? Deficiency in some vitamins/minerals can also cause depression and mood disorders.

I had the lap band and it failed after a few years, it kept playing up, everything would get stuck, even Water.. i started getting really bad pain near the port site.. i had port replacement and a band change and it was still causing issues, so i asked them to take it out... i couldn't live with the pain any longer as well as starving because nothing would stay down. I waited 12 months.. and during that time i gained weight, even though i was eating well and exercising, i had my metabolism tested and because of the complications i had reset my metabolism to a low point, so the doctor suggested that i get the sleeve to enable me to stay at that lower rate without being hungry... basically i can not go above 800 calories for life without gaining.
It sucks.. and i might never get back down to my original weight... but i am finally losing... i am a slow loser, but i am hoping ill get there eventually.
This is why i always advise people to increase their calories and not to starve themselves, because it can really screw up your metabolism.

Well... give it time, its harder at the beginning whilst your tummy is healing but things really start to improve once things have healed and you are on solids... give it 2-3 months...

Thank you... well it has disappeared.... so fingers crossed it stays away..... i don't think my hair can handle another surgery! I'm shedding like a cat! Lol

@@Katieisin
The difference with the band and the sleeve is like chalk and cheese!
I don't get any of the issues i had with the band... no pressure, aches, pains, getting stuck, having to avoid certain foods etc.
It feels like a normal tummy, only smaller.....
Initially as you are healing you do feel stuff, like Water being heavy or if you eat quickly there is a tightness, but once you learn how to manage your sleeve, it feels normal.

Sorry if this comes across as ignorant or rude, but why do they have you on abilify in the first place?
Abilify is an anti-psychotic or used for bipolar... i do not understand why they would prescribe it for depression.... did you have episodes during that time? If not, you might want to speak to your psych about something less "harsh"
I know this is also off the topic.. but have you had thorough blood work done? Deficiency in some vitamins/minerals can also cause depression and mood disorders.

I did that just before i had my surgery, i brought a gorgeous pair of denim jeans, they were so small that i could barely get them past my hips and definitely couldn't zip them up.... now they are so loose that i can take them off without even unzipping them! Its a great visual reminder of how much weight you've lost! .. i recommend everyone do that.. keep one outfit and try it on periodically to see the difference... its a great motivator and reminder of how far you have come.
I also brought beautiful dress that is 2 sizes too small... it sort of fits, but i can't move my arms cause its too tight... my goal is to fit into that dress by the end of the year.

I did that just before i had my surgery, i brought a gorgeous pair of denim jeans, they were so small that i could barely get them past my hips and definitely couldn't zip them up.... now they are so loose that i can take them off without even unzipping them! Its a great visual reminder of how much weight you've lost! .. i recommend everyone do that.. keep one outfit and try it on periodically to see the difference... its a great motivator and reminder of how far you have come.
I also brought beautiful dress that is 2 sizes too small... it sort of fits, but i can't move my arms cause its too tight... my goal is to fit into that dress by the end of the year.

Thank you... well it has disappeared.... so fingers crossed it stays away..... i don't think my hair can handle another surgery! I'm shedding like a cat! Lol

Oh my..... i am a little daft today lol
I was innocently reading thinking we were talking about eating those pop rock candy thingies, i did not realise till much later that there were other uses for them other than putting them in your mouth!
I obviously have a lot to learn regarding candy lol *blush*

I had the lap band and it failed after a few years, it kept playing up, everything would get stuck, even Water.. i started getting really bad pain near the port site.. i had port replacement and a band change and it was still causing issues, so i asked them to take it out... i couldn't live with the pain any longer as well as starving because nothing would stay down. I waited 12 months.. and during that time i gained weight, even though i was eating well and exercising, i had my metabolism tested and because of the complications i had reset my metabolism to a low point, so the doctor suggested that i get the sleeve to enable me to stay at that lower rate without being hungry... basically i can not go above 800 calories for life without gaining.
It sucks.. and i might never get back down to my original weight... but i am finally losing... i am a slow loser, but i am hoping ill get there eventually.
This is why i always advise people to increase their calories and not to starve themselves, because it can really screw up your metabolism.

Well.... its done... i am officially post op!!!
Doing quite well surprisingly

I promise it gets easier.... i thought i would never be able to meet my Protein and Water... especially water... but after about a week it got a lot easier once the swelling went down.
Its a stressful time for your body... emotions will be out of whack.. be kind to your body and give it time to heal
Im 3 weeks out now... i cant even tell ive had surgery until i eat... the only reminder i have is when i feel i have had enough food... i know.
Hang in there... promise it'll get easier

Well it seems to have calmed down now, but i have reduced fat since it started to give my gallbladder a break..... hopefully it doesn't return, if it does, I'll definitely go to the doctor... i don't have any other symptoms other than that gnawing/stabbing pain, and its intermittent, and like a 3 on the pain scale.. here's hoping its nothing

Well it seems to have calmed down now, but i have reduced fat since it started to give my gallbladder a break..... hopefully it doesn't return, if it does, I'll definitely go to the doctor... i don't have any other symptoms other than that gnawing/stabbing pain, and its intermittent, and like a 3 on the pain scale.. here's hoping its nothing

Haha looks like your phone is really trying to make that message sink in....

Haha looks like your phone is really trying to make that message sink in....

Haha looks like your phone is really trying to make that message sink in....

I think mine is on its way out... i have had like a gnawing/sharp pain in my right side for 2 days, worse after eating....
What kind of symptoms did you guys get when it was "malfunctioning"?

I think mine is on its way out... i have had like a gnawing/sharp pain in my right side for 2 days, worse after eating....
What kind of symptoms did you guys get when it was "malfunctioning"?

Hmm it could possibly backfire if you blatantly ask, she is only 24, still young and sensitive.
Maybe try and get her involved with your journey...
- ask her for her ideas on healthy recipes
- ask her to come along on walks, when you notice she is puffed out, explain how you are glad you are fitter. (Don't mention you noticed she is puffed out though)
- go shopping with her and when she gets upset about clothes not fitting, explain how you used to feel that way prior to wls.
Use calculated opportunities to explain the changes to you mentally, physically and mentally.
Engage her in your journey, speak to her about your feelings and when she sees how simple it is to still enjoy life without food & makes the connection with what you have told her, might choose to improve her health.

@@theantichick
Probably a good idea to vent here instead of strangling her lol
My dietitian actually suggested that we purchase alkaline PH Water prior to wls, she said it'll be a lifesaver once you have surgery.... i bought a couple of bottles and i sure could tell the difference between the alkaline and normal bottled water.... it.made such a difference for the first 2 weeks

Hmm it could possibly backfire if you blatantly ask, she is only 24, still young and sensitive.
Maybe try and get her involved with your journey...
- ask her for her ideas on healthy recipes
- ask her to come along on walks, when you notice she is puffed out, explain how you are glad you are fitter. (Don't mention you noticed she is puffed out though)
- go shopping with her and when she gets upset about clothes not fitting, explain how you used to feel that way prior to wls.
Use calculated opportunities to explain the changes to you mentally, physically and mentally.
Engage her in your journey, speak to her about your feelings and when she sees how simple it is to still enjoy life without food & makes the connection with what you have told her, might choose to improve her health.

That sucks, maybe have a chat to her calmly and explain that while you appreciate her concern and know that it is coming from a good place, that you think you have it under control and if you need advice you will let her know.
In regards to the Water thing..
She is actually correct. Water can have a hard surface area, by adding something to it, it makes it "softer" hence easier to get down.... when you are early out, this makes a big difference on how it sits in your stomach... because when it is hard, it can be heavy on your new tummy
You can add lemon, water flavoring, cordial, etc to make it easier on your tummy.